The Kepulauan Riau Province, located near Singapore and Malaysia, faces unique challenges in distributing electricity to its small islands. While solar power emerges as a promising solution, obstacles like salt dust accumulation on solar panels and limited technical know-how pose significant challenges.
The Kepulauan Riau (Kepri) Province is tackling the challenge of evenly distributing electricity across its numerous small islands. The adoption of solar power plants (PLTS) has become a key strategy to address this issue, despite facing unique environmental and technical difficulties.
Nirup Island, located just 8 kilometers from Singapore in Batam’s Belakangpadang sub-district, has implemented renewable energy sources for electricity needs. However, salt dust covering the solar panels significantly reduces the efficiency of these systems.
Mecan Island, part of the same sub-district, received a substantial grant for solar panels but struggles with managing the solar power system effectively due to limited local expertise.
Local communities in Mecan Island, who operate the solar power system on a cooperative basis, face ongoing maintenance challenges and express a desire for professional management by the National Electricity Company (PLN).
In Nirup Island, managed by PT Citra Buana Prakarsa, solar power supports the electricity needs of developing hotels and resorts, with over 1,500 solar panels currently installed.
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Despite the push for renewable energy, technical issues such as reduced power output in the evenings and a 30-year operational limit of solar panels present ongoing challenges.
The implementation of solar power in Kepri’s small islands near Singapore demonstrates both the potential and the challenges of renewable energy in remote locations. The experience of these islands can provide valuable insights for Singaporeans and international visitors interested in sustainable energy and its practical applications.
The Kepulauan Riau Province near Singapore is encountering difficulties in managing solar power systems on its small islands. Issues such as salt dust accumulation on solar panels and a lack of technical knowledge hinder the effective utilization of this renewable energy source. The communities on these islands are advocating for professional management to maximize the benefits of solar power.
